Super Rugby: Stormers to surge

The Highlanders are coming off a brave second half comeback win against the Brumbies while the Rebels learnt that rugby really is a game of two halves. They will be devastated they weren't able to hold onto the massive lead they accrued against the Waratahs.

The Highlanders have won 4 of the last 5 against the Rebels and I don't see the Rebels adding to their solitary win here. If the Rebels can play like they did in the first half last week they might be in with a sniff at one point or another during the game, but ultimately the Highlanders really should be too strong for them.

In the last 5 away games the Rebels have conceded on average a massive 51 points per game.

OTP Recommendation

Highlanders Over 42 points2 at 2.10+2.2

Blues v Force

The Blues dispatched of the Bulls last week impressively and hopefully for their sake it is the kick start they need to get their campaign moving. The Force were never really in it against the Crusaders with a few late tries pushing the score out to probably what the score line deserved to be.

The Blues have only lost once to the Force, way back in 2008 and the Force have only won 1 of their last 10 away games. Another interesting stat is that the Blues have beaten the Force by 17.5 points on average in the last 4 games.

NO PICK

Chiefs v Bulls

The Chiefs will feel refreshed after a week off and take on the Bulls who struggled against the Blues last week. The Chiefs will momentarily have the chance to jump to the top of the table once again but they do have a game in hand over other teams up the top.

The Bulls have lost 6 of the last 7 away games, not good reading when trying to take on arguably the form team of the competition. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have won 7 of their last 8 games.

The most surprising statistic I found for this game is that in the last 7 games against each other the average points scored is a massive 62 points; however the three of those games played in Chiefs territory averages a lesser 52 points.

NO PICK

Reds v Hurricanes

The Reds are on a losing streak. Having to play last years champions after a tough tour of South Africa would be the last thing Reds coach Nick Stiles would have wanted. Unfortunately for him and the Reds they don't make the draw and the Hurricanes will be looking to notch up what would seem a fairly easy victory against a tired Reds team.

Again Quade Cooper will not be present serving his second week of a three week suspension. The Reds looked good at patches last week but lacked any attacking ability which they would normally get from Cooper. The Hurricanes should be fresh after a week off and will be looking for the full 5 points in this one.

The Reds have lost every game since round 1, they've also been beaten by the Hurricanes in 6 of their last 7 clashes. Pick 3 Units - Hurricanes -14.5

OTP Recommendation

If the Stormers get up here they will more than likely take Africa 1 conference. They're coming up against a Cheetahs outfit that were gallant in defeat last week but were outplayed by the Sharks. The Stormers were scratchy at best against the Sunwolves and had to really put the foot down in the last twenty minutes to secure victory.

The Cheetahs have lost their last 8 away games and you'd think would struggle to win this one as well. With these teams last four games played at the Stormers home ground, the Stormers have won on average by a whopping 24 points.

With an expected return of the Stormers frontline players they really should be too good for the Cheetahs here and I'm prepared to bet they'll win by 13+ points. Pick 3 Units - Stormers 13 and Over

OTP Recommendation

Stormers 13+3 at 2.20+3.6

OTP Recommendation

The Africa 2 conference is shaping up to be the most competitive of all the conference and this game will give the victorious team a little buffer on the other. Three teams all within 2 points of each other with the Jaguares separating these two sides.

The Lions have now won their last 8 home games and are on a three match winning streak against the Sharks. In those three games the Lions have won by an average of 14.5 points, two of those games being at home.

I feel the Sharks are a little closer to the Lions this year and proved that last week where they put on a great second half performance to easily beat the Cheetahs.

Two different sides, the Lions being the attacking flair type team and the Sharks the rugged defensive team. Usually that results in either a flogging by the attacking side or a low points scoring affair. I'm of the idea this will be low scoring, the last 5 games between these sides have averaged a low 40 points, not what you'd expect from the Lions but certainly what you'd expect from the Sharks. I think the Lions will win but it will be a close one. Pick 2 Units - Lions 12 and Under

OTP Recommendation

Lions 1-122 at 3.10+4.2

Waratahs v Crusaders

Sunday Rugby is back and let's just hope for a dry ground with the sun shining. The Waratahs second half heroics got their season somewhat back on track, they will be looking through the tape this week to find out why they were so bad in the first half however. Meanwhile the Crusaders come off an easy victory against the Force.

The Waratahs have surprisingly won 2 of their last 3 clashes with the Crusaders with both wins being at home. They are also the last Australian team to beat the Crusaders, this being back in 2015. The Waratahs could be without Bernard Foley here as well with the fly half having concussion issues.

I've sworn myself off betting on Crusaders games as through this tipping site I can't even recall a time where I've backed a winner in a game the Crusaders have been involved with, they seem to be my bogey team and I'll only get involved in the future if I really, really, like something.